No. 18 Wisconsin (11-3) vs. Michigan State (11-4)
Game: Tuesday, Jan. 10 inside the Kohl Center
Time: 6:00 P.M CT
Watch: ESPN
Listen: 1310 WIBA AM and 101.5 FM (Matt Lepay and Mike Lucas on the call); stream online on iHeartRadio
Prediction: Wisconsin 67, Michigan State 64
Follow Online: The Badgers' Den
Twitter: @Badger_Blitz
Betting Line: Wisconsin -1.5
PRE-GAME NOTES
Wisconsin dropped four spots to No.18 in the AP poll after a road loss to Illinois. Without their top scorer Tyler Wahl, the Badgers were disjointed on offense and couldn't keep up with an Illini team that shot a scorching 52.6% from three. Wisconsin came into the game as the better three-point shooting team, but couldn't get enough shots to fall, going just 8-29 (27.6%) from deep.
Without the interior presence of Wahl, Greg Gard gave his team the green light to let it fly from downtown, but time after time they couldn't find the bottom of the net. Max Klesmit shot 2-of-5, and that was the most efficient shooting performance from deep any Badger could muster. Chucky Hepburn, who came into the game shooting around 50% from three, shot just 3-of-7. Steven Crowl, who has been hesitant to shoot from beyond the arc at times this season, put up seven shots from long range but hit just one. He hadn't attempted more than five on the year prior to the loss in Champaign.
Once again, Wahl's status is uncertain on the eve of the game. He missed Sunday's practice, which doesn't bode well for his availability Tuesday. Wahl's status will likely be announced just prior to tip off, as it was against Illinois.
Carter Gilmore played 30 minutes in Wahl's stead and wasn't detrimental, but he didn't make much of an impact, either. He doesn't have nearly the facilitation or scoring ability that Wahl does. When Wisconsin's four spot scores just four points on three shots, the baskets will have to come from elsewhere. Besides Hepburn and Crowl each scoring in the 20s for the second time this season, they didn't.
Wisconsin will need to learn how to play without their talented big man, and fast. It's reasonable to expect at least some improvement from an offense that looked out-of-sorts for much of Saturday's game. If Wahl isn't available, the Badgers' shooters will need to step up and hit some shots, especially from three. Without the attention and spacing Wahl provides, the looks may not come as clean. Wisconsin can't let that stop them if they want to beat the Spartans.
Speaking of the Spartans, they'll waltz into the Kohl Center riding a six-game winning streak. Granted, that includes five straight home games and wins over Brown, Oakland and Buffalo. But make no mistake — these Spartans are battle tested.
Much like Gard, Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo subscribes to the theory of early-season tests. After a warm-up against Northern Arizona, the Spartans played Gonzaga, Kentucky, Villanova and Alabama consecutively to open the season. They emerged from that stretch 2-2, including a thrilling overtime win against Kentucky.
The season hasn't gone exactly according to plan for Michigan State, but they're still sitting at 11-4 and 3-1 in the Big Ten. And while they're unranked, they're receiving 24 votes in the AP poll.
No one is shooting the lights out for the Spartans, but they're a well-rounded offense. The senior guard, Tyson Walker, is a definite scoring threat. He's cooled off slightly after a blistering start to the season, but is still Izzo's go-to when he needs a bucket. The forward Joey Hauser's efficiency leaves a little to be desired, but he's also a capable scorer who can shoot threes standing at 6-9.
Michigan State is hot, coming off a very successful home stand and fresh off a sweet victory over their rival Michigan. However, Wisconsin and the Kohl Center pose a big test, even if Wahl can't play. Wisconsin will be hungry to bounce back and prove that they can win without their primary big man.
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